Improvement in copying and folding presses



s. w. UDELL.

Copying and Fnlding-Prssses.

N0 145 306, Patented DeC.9,1873.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SAMUEL W. ODELL, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

IMPROVEMENT IN COPYING AND FOLDING PRESSES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 145,306, dated D.cember 9, 1873; application filed September 22, 1873.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SAMUEL IV. ODELL, of St. Louis, Missouri, have invented an Improved Copying and Folding Press, of which the following is a specification:

The design of this invention is to form a copying and folding press which can be pocketed, readily carried, and otherwise conveniently be at hand for copying and folding purposes. My copying-press or invention consists chieiiy of a hinged body or press-covers, united to which are hinged plates or folding-leaves, so arranged as to close alternately top of each other and between the main press-covers; also, in providing the press with top-face linings and certain detail parts, so that when the letter or paper to be copied is placed (as is ordinarily done) in the press, and the same is closed by its thumb-screw, one or more copies can be taken, and at the same time in afolded condition, or ready for envelope or mailing.

Of the drawing, Figure l is a plan view, showing my improved press in open condition. Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-section, showing press when closed; Fig. 3 being a perspective xiew of press when closed and applied in use.

A A are the two main bodies or press-cov ers. The press-covers A A can be of metal, of wood, rubber, leather, papier-mach@ or other suitable material, dressed down or having a smooth top surface. The press-covers A A are united by an ordinary hinge-joint, a, (sce fgures,)thesaidhngerunningtheentirelength, and so made that space is left between said covers when closed to allow the folding-leaves to come between. B B represent the foldingleaves. These can consist of light metal plates, or wood, or other 'suitable material. The object being to fold the leaves BB between the covers A A alternately, therefore I hinge that of B by means of a proper hinge, b, running full width along top of the covers A. (See Fig. l.) Similarly, the leaf B I hinge by the hinge bl along the side of the same cover A. (See figures.) rIhe top leaf B can first be folded or placed top and'contiguous to the top face of the press-cover A. Similarly, the side leaf B can be placed or folded contiguous to top of the leaf B and, lastly, thepress-cover A closed top of all, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

The further improved construction is as follows: It is of importance to achieve an even and direct pressure action; therefore, I provide each of the parts AA B B with facelinings of cloth, rubber, or the like. The linings 112, however, should not be any thicker than will allow all the parts to close without pressure, and daylight should barely be seen when said parts are closed loosely. Readily the face-linings b2 can be attached, secured, or otherwise made to form part of the respective covers and their leaves. c c are pinpoints passed through and secured near the lower edge of the top leafB. Said points are slightly bent, being for the purpose of perforating the paper and causing an accurate fold. When the top leaf B is being closed to allow the pinpoints c c to operate, the press-cover A has corresponding holes, (see Fig. 1,) in whichsaid points enter; also, the side leaf Bl will have similar holes to permit the points c c to pass through should said leaf be folded or closed rst. The press-covers A A', in order to close same or the press proper, I provide with a thumb or similar convenient hand screw, D, made to insure good leverage, and fitted to pass through the bearings d d', which form part of said covers. (See Figs. 2 and 3.) Only the bearing cl of the cover A requires deep or large screw-threads, the object being to cause the hand-screw D to operate quickly and decisively into engagement when closing action is made.

' The operation of the press thus constructed is as follows: The letter or paper can be the size of the entire press, or any less size, and is first placed to cover as much as possible the parts A A and B. Next, top of the paper or letter, place one or more sheets of tissue or ordinary copying paper. Next, place over same a blotting-sheet slightly damped with water. This done, theV press can be closed, as aforesaid-that is, the leaf B irst, the leaf B next; lastly, operate the thumb-screw into engagement, which closes the press-covers A A', and in doing so the respective imprints of copies will be the result.

B ut, further, it will be noticed my pocketn press not only. prints copies of documents, but also folds same into ready folds for insertion in an envelope, thus achieving an additional saving of time, labor, and expense.

My improved press can be formed compactly, neat as desired, and otherwise made to suit, and be of great use and benefit to travelers, agents, and the like particularly, though generally useful to all engaged in business avocations or professions, or Who desire to make and keep copies.

What I claim is- 1. A pocket-press for copying and folding purposes, consisting of hinged presscovers, having one or more folding-leaves, substantially as set forth.

2. A pocket-press for copying and folding purposes, consisting of hinged press-covers, having one or more folding-leaves, and the faces of covers and leaves lined, as set forth.

3. The combination of thepress-coversAA, folding-leaves B B', linings 112,hand-screw D, and pin-points c c, all constructed to operate as set forth.

In testimony of said invention I have hereunto set my hand.

SAMUEL W. ODELL. Witnesses:

WILLIAM W. HERTHEL, G. F. MEISNER. 

